It has been such an adventure watching barn owls Gylfie & Finn bring up their two owlets Nutmeg and Thyme in 2021. And, it's been great to see first-time dad Finn, step up to the mark!

I've put their full story of this season together in this film for you to enjoy.

Watch Gylfie & Finn interact live on my nest cam:    • Live From Fotherdale | Robert E Fuller   and follow their story in this playlist:    • Barn Owls 🦉 Gylfie & Finn | Wild Live...  

JOIN MY MISSION
____________________

You can support my wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work by donating here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s... or joining one of my supporter communities: https://www.robertefuller.com/support...

ABOUT THIS FILM
____________________

Their story

Finn and Gylfie first hooked up together towards the end of 2022. Finn was just two years old and this was his first breeding season. At times his inexperience led to some amusing gaffs!

From clumsy courtship to devoted partner

But this male barn owl soon matured and proved he can provide for his family. He is such a sweet character and takes his job very seriously.

First time dad

This first time dad's excitement when he met his chicks was adorable to watch. Watch him checks the egg after it is laid with his beak, - it's as though he wonders if he should brood it himself. But Gylfie steps in and pushes him aside… incubating is best left to the expert.

Attentive dad

Finn goes on to become a really attentive parent. He rarely leaves Gylfie's side as she broods their eggs and works hard bringing in food around the clock and guarding the nest.

Barn owl chicks

The pair had three chicks in total, but sadly one did not survive. Thankfully the two remaining chicks, named Nutmeg & Thyme by their fans, grow up to be strong and healthy.

Nutmeg becomes carer

And by one month old, barn owls the eldest, Nutmeg, is already showing signs she has inherited Finn's incredible nature. After they are old enough to be left alone by the parent birds my cameras reveal something unusual - Nutmeg, older by three days, takes on the role of feeding her younger brother.

Helping to feed & groom Thyme

As the barn owl chicks grow and develop, the bond between the siblings grows stronger and my cameras capture endearing footage of Nutmeg grooming Thyme and trying to encourage him to join her as she discovers the entrance to the nest and sees the world outside.

And Thyme turns protector

Then one day when a pigeon ventures into the nest, their roles are reversed and the younger owlet, Thyme, spreads his wings out wide and screeches to protect his sister Nutmeg.

Barn owls first flights

This extraordinary bond continues as the eldest Nutmeg learns to fly and then hops about the entrance to the nest trying to encourage her brother to join her.

I hope you have enjoyed watching the story of this adorable barn owl family.

ABOUT ME
____________

I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.

You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: https://www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!

You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: https://www.robertefuller.com
Facebook:   / robertefullerart  
Twitter:   / robertefuller  
Instagram:   / robertefuller  

___________________
© Robert E Fuller

Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to re-upload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [email protected]

#robertefuller #barnowl #owl #wildlives #gylfieandfinn